Liverpool Banter 2

13 Apr 2026 14:20:45
I am a Liverpool fan from the States - since the mid-80s. I retire from school teaching after next year, and my family has already gifted me a trip to see Anfield and the Reds in 2027. However, I have read several posts on LFC fan forums, including this one, bemoaning the sight of "plastic" fans and "non-locals" at matches.

Simple question. As a Reds fan from afar, will I even be welcome at Anfield?

13 Apr 2026 15:08:28
Yes, my friend. You will be welcome, and you will have a great time. (Hopefully the team will be playing well again next year).

13 Apr 2026 15:21:06
All Reds are welcome at Anfield, mate. Apart from Michael Owen. 😂

13 Apr 2026 15:26:21
What FC8 said. Once a Red always a Red. Enjoy the match YNWA.

13 Apr 2026 15:43:56
Everyone is welcome at Anfield, mate.

There are frustrations from some ST holders and regular match-going fans. Some believe locals are being priced out of games and there is an overabundance of 'day trippers' who don't really support the club and don't contribute to the atmosphere.

It is the same up and down the country.

Turn up, show your support and get behind the team. That's all anyone asks for, mate. Do that and you deserve to be there as much as any other local!

13 Apr 2026 15:58:10
Wouldn't worry at all about it, mate, you're a red.

You'll have a belter time. Get into some of the boozers around the ground beforehand and soak up all the atmosphere you can!

🔴👍🏻

Ken.

13 Apr 2026 16:11:00
@Beauty, mate, don't listen to anyone or anything. You have a chance of a lifetime to watch LFC at Anfield. Why are you allowing other people to take your fun away?

Go have the time of your life at the ground and drink it all in, man. Have a pint for those of us who aren't so lucky, btw.

Enjoy!!

13 Apr 2026 15:22:39
Mate, I'm originally South African and still come with the accent. I've been attending games since 2007 and I can tell you, you'll definitely feel welcome and the locals are genuinely friendly and accommodating people. Love every minute and cannot stress what a brilliant city Liverpool is.

That being said, and I don't know the numbers off hand but, I do believe the game in general is being pulled away from local supporters and becoming more commercial. Season ticket holders represent a small portion of the seats on show which obviously means the authenticity/atmosphere of local lads is being limited within anfield. That's obviously being plugged by foreign supporters across the world, who some can't speak English let alone club songs. So that may be considered plastic to some. I think the main issue from the people I speak to is the distribution of tickets from season ticket holders to the wider public.

That's my opinion, and I'm happy to be corrected. I'm not local, nor do I live in the city. Just what I've seen and heard while living in the UK.

I'm sure the Ed's and local lads have a better read on it that I have.

13 Apr 2026 16:16:47
Ignore them, mate. Essentially, you have a group of supporters driven by Spirit of Shankley who believe it's their god given right to hoard season tickets forever for the club.

They want a certain amount of tickets for locals at lower prices, no tickets to be sold ideally above 15 miles from the ground, the right to pass on their tickets to children etc etc.

They will never be happy until only their families' descendants can go to games.

Ignore em, pal.

13 Apr 2026 16:52:48
Same boat, mate, had my first Anfield experience in 2010. We were down to the bones back then, but it was an experience I will never forget. Made two friends at the pub after the game, and was best man at one's wedding. Been a few times at Anfield and every time is a moment cemented in stone for me.

13 Apr 2026 17:23:44
OP, just don't call it "soccer" and you'll be great! Learn a few songs and get into the boozer.

13 Apr 2026 17:53:23
What website do they use to get tickets for the 27/28 season?

13 Apr 2026 18:03:43
It's all our club, my friend. YNWA.

13 Apr 2026 17:59:28
I'm irish and I've always felt welcome at Anfield.

And not just Anfield, Liverpool as a city is so welcoming.

Even the blue noses, ain't that right ed25?

{Ed025's Note - its a very welcoming city MLG, the people are nice, the city is great and we also have 2 very good football teams...Everton and Tranmere.. :)

13 Apr 2026 18:22:25
Ed0025 and a great one

{Ed025's Note - certainly used to be JK.. :)

13 Apr 2026 18:46:20
I am from the US and attended a match at Anfield in September. My wife and I felt very welcome. Spoke to a lot of locals and other supporters from out of the area. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

13 Apr 2026 19:32:36
Congratulations on your retirement and thanks for your efforts in educating the youngsters. 👏

Of course you'll be welcome at Anfield, there's no question about it.
Definitely learn some songs and join in, that's very important.
Definitely have a scarf held aloft as you sing YNWA before kickoff.
You'll have a great time. Let's hope the team performs.

{Ed025's Note - spot on Ron..

13 Apr 2026 18:41:49
Yes edd 25 your right you do have two good teams Everton and Tranmere ladies teams in the city.

13 Apr 2026 20:59:42
Cheer us on no matter what, sing as loud as you can! That's all we ask. Enjoy it, mate. YNWA.

14 Apr 2026 02:52:45
Also a LFC fan from the States and had a work trip to London in Oct. Took advantage to spend my entire retirement account (ok, not quite, but ouch) in an attempt to experience the dream. Saw us lose to Man U. Yet...... It. Was. The. Dream. Look forward to it as much as you can, overset expectations as much as you like, set the experience up for failure to the nth degree.......... you still will not be disappointed. American sports are awesome in person, this is another level and you get nothing of it from tv.

The people were all awesome and I have a very American accent (southern drawl, despite never living there....... never figured out how that happened). Like others have said, go early. Hell, go very early, stupid early. So much to see, so much to experience, so many friendly people to talk to. I was alone in a city of strangers and felt at home. Kind of like a Grateful Dead concert if that means anything to you.

13 Apr 2026 14:14:26
{Ed's Note - MK Scouser has posted a new article entitled, Slot, backing, and a big summer rebuild

13 Apr 2026 14:27:46
I believe he will leave, regardless of winning CL or not.

13 Apr 2026 14:50:04
Nice one, MK.

They will definitely have to get creative this summer as there is a lot to do - arguably as many as 8 signings depending on what happens with Alisson, Curtis, Macca and Ibou.

Lots of interesting names being linked.

The concern is going to be replacing the leadership qualities and personalities that have/are leaving. The risk is we sign loads of promising young players like Chelsea and end up looking rudderless.

13 Apr 2026 14:50:16
Maybe they do think they would back him if he stayed... The point that he actually wants to leave the project means that our top brass might've backed him and can happily say that to Ornstein etc without the media realising he's already set his sights on leaving regardless.

So, Ornstein probably doesn't have all the facts...

13 Apr 2026 14:54:48
Red Jones, I really want us to start a new chapter. I just can't get my head around why he's not already been sacked if he is going to go. Or if it is Slot's decision to step down at the end of the season, why wouldn't he come out like Klopp did and say he is resigning at the end of the season? Surely, no self-respecting man sits in interview after interview and just pretends he's still in charge long term when he's asked about next season and the summer transfer window? Feels off to me.

Ornstein is rarely wrong, but hopefully he's being fed misinformation when in reality, Alonso or Iraola are on the cards.

13 Apr 2026 16:21:15
MKS, like you and many others, I have no idea why this failure of a manager this season should be kept. What has he done to warrant whatever credit (which is none, IMO) he should get for the absolute shambles of a season he has had?

Frankly, if Slot is kept (I'll believe it when I see it), I have no idea what I'm gonna be looking forward to for next season, esp. with Salah leaving cos I don't trust this guy with whatever money we have to spend. Also, like you, if he is being backed, then where's the contract extension? Has Ornstein mentioned any of this? Cos I ain't seen it.



For me, Slot being kept is a way of rewarding reprehensible professional behaviour "just cos he won us the title" and that could be a case of Slot (and this is my fear) feeling vindicated that his system was never the problem. That it was more about "mitigating circumstances" (my foot & arse) that led to his "system" not working, hence he will feel he bears no blame at all if any of his reprehensible comments are anything to go by.

Now, I hope Slot goes and we just start over BUT if he doesn't then, look out.

13 Apr 2026 17:06:18
Completely get what you're saying, MK, but I just don't see him there next season.

13 Apr 2026 17:04:52
MK, I think it's pretty obvious that the club considered other options back in Dec/Jan, reports of talks with Stevie, phone calls with Alonso etc. but with Stevie being the only real alternative, the club decided sticking with a Premier League winner was the best option, which, in all fairness, is a good call on paper, and as you know Edwards is an out-and-out stat man.

Whatever goes down on official record, I can assure you Slot is not really stepping down, but the club will obviously have no issue with painting it that way for the sake of his career, as a professional courtesy, seen as how he did bring home number 20. Totally normal in a situation where things aren't working but there is still a great mutual respect.

In terms of club/manager/media relations, nobody ever comes out and says one of their colleagues is not the right man for the job or admits they themselves are the wrong man for the job, not unless they're looking for the sack. No matter how bad things get, a club will always back a manager right up until the very second they sack him, it's standard procedure. And vice versa, no manager is going to turn around and admit to the likelihood of being sacked, or answer questions in such a way that might suggest as much. So there's nothing abnormal about him discussing the future of the club, especially when it's obvious the club is trying to kill the noise amongst the fan base.

They want to steady the ship, and that's all the likes of Ornstein are doing when they say Slot will be here next season. These reporters get thrown a few bones throughout the year, but it's not for nothing, the club expects something in return, and it's times like these when they call in those favours. The club sees fans booing, leaving games early, talk of Slot being sacked and the first thing they do is attempt to kill the noise in an effort to try and unify the fan base a little and get them behind the team for the remainder of the season. It's damage control, nothing more.

Having said that, I've always been of the opinion that unless something drastic happens, like a huge dip in form and some heavy petting with the bottom half of the table, the club would wait until the season was over to assess and make official decisions. ITK's claim Slot was essentially sacked back in November and simply working a notice, which in my opinion is absolute nonsense, who in their right mind would put the fate of the season and hundreds of millions of pounds in revenue in the hands of not just someone they deem incapable, but someone who you just sacked and now has no motivation to impress whatsoever, with 6 months left to play.

13 Apr 2026 17:12:21
FPF, If Ornstein is correct and there will be 3-4 star signings, I'd be hoping for Jacquet, Gomes, Gordon and Diomande as my personal picks of everyone linked who I think is realistic.

Jacquet is already agreed, but Diomande I'd pick because like Jacquet, he is a top young talent. Gordon and Gomes I'd pick because they're mid-20's and both happy to engage in a physical battle and a bit of 'housery'. I think as a quartet to come in and give us a blend of youthful exuberance and Premier League grit/experience that would be a very good summer. All 4 of them are also hyper mobile players willing to contribute defensively, and we need to get in the faces of the opposition more next year.

I think Alisson will stay, otherwise the extension makes little sense. I also don't think Jones will want to leave, and Ibou just hasn't had the options come forward that I think he was expecting (Madrid, PSG) so I reckon he'll end up meeting us halfway on wage demands too.

2shoes, other than the ITK's on this site, there is nothing out in the general media that Slot wants to leave. If he were genuinely talking to the KNVB or Ajax, do you not think at least one outlet would've ran with the story? There's leaks everywhere in football, but no major journalists are running with the story that Slot wants to leave and is in talks over a new job. It's all a bit suspect to me. It's not adding up. It's also funny how all these ITK's cropped up once Ed002 was no longer here with all of his legit contacts, to call people out on BS. I hate being cynical, but I've grown tired of the pantomime on here of "oh yes he will, oh no he won't".

Ornstein has been the most reliable source of football rumours in the last 5 years and he's adamant Slot stays. As is Slot himself in his interviews. We'll see soon enough I guess mate!

13 Apr 2026 13:38:47
Go all out for Enrique.
Alonso should only be an option if Enrique, an actual proven special manager is absolutely not available.

13 Apr 2026 16:22:32
Ron, you're barking up the wrong tree, mat. Enrique is going nowhere and even if he was, he ain't coming to us.

Alonso is where it's at now, as that is our level, sorry to say.

13 Apr 2026 17:08:36
Zero chance, he's built the best team in Europe. Why would he leave sunny France for the dreary Mersey and a struggling team going through a woeful transitionary period?

13 Apr 2026 18:44:33
Lock Enrique in the changing rooms until he signs a contract to manage LFC and bring several of his players.

13 Apr 2026 20:30:33
Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in world football and has the greatest history in English football. We're not Spurs.
We absolutely have a chance if we sell it to him. The French league is a farmers' league.
Guardiola went to Man City. So, offer Enrique a lucrative deal.
It's absolutely possible when average squad players are earning top dollar.

13 Apr 2026 20:59:24
Here's a question for you, and, obviously, it's a purely hypothetical question, adding 2+2 and getting conspiracy theory.

Some are reporting Slot will be here next season and to see out his contract. Would anyone take this if we were guaranteed Enrique once his contract also expires next year?

13 Apr 2026 12:32:55
Ed1 - who would you prefer, Iroala or Alonso

{Ed001's Note - I really like Iraola.}

13 Apr 2026 16:06:46
Or Enrique? Who is definitely my pick, but doubt PSG would let him go? He is a class manager with experience, just what we need.

13 Apr 2026 16:39:20
Jmoore, it's why I say every time say Iraola, is say outside Klopp/Enrique. I just think those two are unrealistic. But I agree with you, we should be asking if they are interested for sure. Those dreamland appointments.

I'm also assuming Klopp would be ready for another 4-5 seasons at least and not tire after 1 or 2.

Iraola is such a good choice in my opinion. When Semenyo was wanting out and eventually left, Bournemouth went on a bad run and again Iraola turned it around. All the players he lost. The man thrives in adversity.

And he has a style of football that translates to top teams.

It's attacking football not too similar to Klopp's style. It's direct and quick. We play our best games when we employ something similar.

And FYI, I'm not related to Iraola.
I just think he is the best choice by far.

Outside

A revitalized Klopp and the majestic Enrique.

Those guys are special.

But maybe Iraola is too, but he would not be as certain as those 2.

I guess the best summary to this long winded post is that Iraola is my third choice but favourite choice of the most realistic options.

13 Apr 2026 18:13:52
Hi Ed01,

You just confirm your likeness for Iraola which I also think he will be fantastic manager for LFC but based on what is expected in terms of managerial change. Who do you think will connect the players and the fans together as it was in the days of Klopp? I will like your honest opinion on this and also if it wouldn't take much of your time, can you share a brief of why Iraola will be the best fit for LFC based on current players in the club.
I appreciate your input and always looked forward to it whenever am on this platform.

{Ed001's Note - I think Enrique is the only one to do that.}

13 Apr 2026 11:32:17
6 league games and 1 cup game to go, then we hit the reset.

Keep reading your fridges and ignore journalists.

13 Apr 2026 11:58:15
4 cup games, BeKind.

13 Apr 2026 12:00:30
41 days to go!

13 Apr 2026 12:18:27
We'll have none of that nonsense here, Rome.

13 Apr 2026 15:15:02
We should have a daily countdown as a bookmark.

13 Apr 2026 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - Davey Sulls has posted a new article entitled, Why Iraola Fits Liverpool Better Than Alonso

13 Apr 2026 09:30:11
Not that I'm against him but he lacks European experience. Could cope with a team that plays in European competition and plays around 60 plus games a season, and are expected to go far in European competition.

13 Apr 2026 09:41:40
Davey, I am 100% behind you mate. What worries me with Alonso is he allowed the Madrid players to bully him. Yes, we all know what Madrid and its players are about, and so did Alonso, but he allowed it to happen. What rang alarm bells for me was when Madrid v Barcelona in the Arab country, when Madrid lost, and Alonso tried to get his players to give Barce a guard of honour, and they just turned their back on him, making him look an idiot.
Managing Bournemouth is a very difficult job.

He has to keep them up every season, this while his top players are picked off and they are replaced and coached like they have been at the club for years. Also, the players would run through a brick wall for Iraola. You never see the team flustered or panic under pressure.
I believe Iraola is the person to take the club back to where we have been.
Great read, Davey Sulls, and interesting article that I hope someone from LFC reads this article and takes notice.
YNWA.

13 Apr 2026 09:55:55
Alonso didn't allow the Madrid players to bully him. He stuck to what he wanted them to do, instead of giving in, so they threw a tantrum and cried to Perez. That's why he got sacked.

If you want to see a manager getting bullied by the Madrid players, you can just look at Arbeloa. He's a great example of letting the players walk all over him.

13 Apr 2026 10:19:23
The squad we have and the players purchased suit Alonso's style of football more.

13 Apr 2026 10:29:26
I'm sure Alonso was involved in an unbeaten domestic season, breaking the one-team stranglehold on that league, whilst also getting to a European final. The disrespect for his achievements is astounding just because he was hung out to dry by one of the most corrupt teams on the planet.

13 Apr 2026 10:29:58
Jurgan wins 3/4 in a row if Pep's gone in summer. It's gotta be tempting for him.

13 Apr 2026 10:58:55
Exactly what Drac said. Alonso didn't cow tow to those pampered divas, they didn't like the fact he demanded more of them, and went crying to Perez. If anyone is weak there, it's Perez for not backing his manager. And that is why there is not one Real Madrid player I would ever want playing for us, because of that mentality.

13 Apr 2026 11:07:30
LFC8, not as tempting as you might think. He's getting paid millions to work from home in sunny Mallorca, where he gets to spend a lot more time with his family and has to deal with none of the stresses of the Premier League. His quality of life is 10x times better than what he had when he spent half the year standing in the rain and the cold, dealing with all the pressure and stress of the league and the media.

Not to mention he's already won everything. Doesn't strike me as the type of bloke who'd give it all up just to go back and do it again. He's explicitly stated he doesn't miss any of it. He seems a lot happier now too.

13 Apr 2026 11:13:56
The article is to show my preference for Iraola over Alonso. Not to knock Alonso down as a choice.

And in terms of squad suitability, I truly think we are only wingers and fitness away from having a squad that suits Iraola style.

And I'd far prefer to get wingers than go down the 3 5 2 route.

Not saying Alonso is married to that and he plays it far far better than we played it against PSG.



But I just love watching wingers. They are the most fun part of the game to watch now, and I'd hate to see us not play attacking ones.

Ngumoha could flourish under Iraola and learn to graft even harder. Add more graft to that kids talent and his future is scary. He has much work to do to reach those levels, though, so must keep the head down and work hard.

Iraola is the guy I'm hoping for anyway.

13 Apr 2026 11:18:26
Totally agree, he won't be coming back, but could you imagine what he could do with this group of players? Plus, with Guadiola leaving, he'd likely bring back a few titles as well.

I think we are in a good place in terms of choices, though. Alonso, Iraola, or even Hoeness would be fine with me. Alonso pips it with his experience in European competition, though.

13 Apr 2026 11:21:27
The jump from a mid-table club to a Top club is harder than you think. Just look at Thomas Frank, Nuno, Emery, etc.

{Ed001's Note - all of those do not play attacking football, which is why they struggled at a top club. They all play counter attacking football, which does not work when you dominate the ball.}

13 Apr 2026 11:59:40
I really like Iraola, but I think he needs to take one more career step before he arrives at one of the biggest clubs in the world with massive expectations.

Whereas the timing for Alonso to join us is ideal for all parties.

13 Apr 2026 12:23:13
In fairness, Lfc8, you would still have Arteta. Jurgen finished behind him in 2 of his last 3 seasons. The man's had his stint, a legendary one. Let him enjoy his retirement.

13 Apr 2026 12:29:44
Great article. I'm also a big fan of Andoni Iraola for all the reasons you outlined, and if we were in a pre-Jurgen Klopp transition phase, I'd take him in a heartbeat.
That said, if the objective is to genuinely compete for the title, I think we need a manager who can consistently maximise his squad while also imposing control through structured possession. Iraola clearly has the potential to become an elite coach, but his preference for a very vertical, transition-heavy style is, in my view, a limitation at the very top level.
Recent title winners have all been built on game control and territorial dominance: Guardiola, Klopp when he won the league after a few seasons of building, and Slot last year.

Arsenal, despite repeatedly collapsing towards the end of the season in recent years, are also a clear example of a side built around controlling possession.
I understand it may sound contradictory given that this season has shown how second balls, direct play, and set pieces can cause serious problems for possession-heavy teams. But over the course of a full campaign, that kind of football is rarely sustainable enough to consistently deliver major trophies.

13 Apr 2026 12:00:40
How did the Madrid players bully surly he bullied them and they went upstairs to cry to the president to get him gone as ed1 said ancelotti let them get away with it

13 Apr 2026 13:53:57
+1 on the Iraola train.

Wouldn't say Alonso is proven at the top level either.

Iraola has done it in the Premier League.
His teams play fearless, aggressive, pressing, attacking football.
He deals with loss of first team players like it's no problem. His squad must be well trained and well drilled.
He is used to imparting his style onto new players year after year.



He gives me Rafa vibes, ultra-competitive but a generally genial, friendly guy.

I have no problem with Alonso, I feel he's a genuine intelligent student of the game, but I never really feel Alonso loves Liverpool as much as Liverpool loves him. Iraola has a clean slate.

13 Apr 2026 15:23:57
So why did Alonso not just drop the players who went running to the owner and make a statement to the players and the suits that he was the boss. Do you think Klopp would have put up with it? Not a chance.
SVkick, so did you not watch Arsenal v Bournemouth? Arsenal could not control the ball. Why? Because Iraola set his team up to press Arsenal at every chance and beat the potential champions.



Back to Madrid, read about the dietician who was employed by Madrid, and the way they bullied and treated her to such an extent that she has sued Madrid. They are allowed to get away with bullying and treating people horribly, knowing nothing will happen to them.

13 Apr 2026 16:29:04
Albeydered, what are you talking about? You act like Alonso or any other RM manager has all the power and can do anything about the players forming a mutiny and crying to their daddy Perez to get rid of managers they don't like cos they make them run too much.

Seriously, when have you seen what you are beating Alonso up about happen at RM, specifically? I'll wait. You are aware that this is exactly what the players did to Rafa when he was there, right? Very same scenario, which led to Zizou getting the job and just allowing them to be "themselves".



Also, you are aware that Chelsea players were notorious for doing the exact same thing to their managers, right? Should the manager(s) have dropped them too?

Listen, you may not like Alonso as Slot's replacement but don't start putting him at a bar that no other RM manager has ever reached. Nah, don't do that cos that's disingenuous, in my view. Just saying.

13 Apr 2026 17:12:38
Albeydered, is that a serious question? Why not just drop Vini or Mbappe who have more sway with Perez than the manager? Do you understand how things work in Madrid?

13 Apr 2026 17:52:03
Nice article, Davey, and all good points. I don't disagree about those being strengths, but I think a strength for Alonso is that he seems a little more dynamic and will deploy multiple formations, which could give us an edge against the array of teams we'll see in PL, CL (hopefully), and domestic cups.

I think that might be a strength because it addresses one factor that you left out (and is still a question mark for Alonso), which is, can they consistently get the best out of a top team over the course of a long season? I think this is an important question, because even Klopp started trying to temper his heavy metal style to improve consistency.

Bournmouth under Iraola have been very patchy in form: when they're firing they can take it to anyone, but they go through spells of poor results. That could be down to large turn over, but I think those spells might not coincide with key player leaving, which is one concern I have about him and his aggressive attacking style and whether he can get consistent results over the course of the season. Alonso still has to prove this at the top level as well, but his unbeaten season and tactical flexibility might give him the edge on this point for me.

Wouldn't be upset with either manager though!

12 Apr 2026 23:32:47
A draw against Chelsea would mean we need 4 wins.

13 Apr 2026 00:41:33
Not quite, because that gives Brentford and Everton a sniff.

13 Apr 2026 09:48:06
Haji, we just need to win the lot and show, yes we had some problems, yes we lost a lot of games, but like true champions we fought our way back into a respectable position and finish the season with a bit of pride.
YNWA.

13 Apr 2026 11:04:57
As we only seem to manage about one good game every ten matches, I'd say we only win one of our remaining fixtures.

13 Apr 2026 15:28:53
Love the optimism lads.

13 Apr 2026 16:30:17
Albeydered, not all teams are capable of pressing with the same intensity as Bournemouth did against Arsenal, and some teams don't even want to.

Moreover, I'm not criticizing Iraola's work off the ball at all (it's very good); I'm just saying that his style in possession is too direct to be effective over the course of a full season. Can you name a manager who has won the Premier League in recent years playing that way?

On the other hand, Bournemouth's game plan is not the only factor behind Arsenal's defeat.

Arsenal's attacking inefficiency is largely down to Arteta: playing with two number 6s (even if Rice is more of a hybrid 6/8) and a number 10 doesn't make sense if your full-backs don't push forward, and it leads to a lack of creativity in the final third.
This is clearly intentional from Arteta - with four defensive midfielders and two number 10s in the squad - and it's why he relies so heavily on set pieces for goals.

13 Apr 2026 16:31:47
Florian, being optimistic and deliberately ignoring the evidence and track record/trend before your very eyes is not optimism.

Sorry, that is delusion. It's that simple.

13 Apr 2026 19:02:37
The track record/trend even in this poor season is 15/32 in terms of wins in the league, Oli. I'm saying the last coupla weeks, if we win the four home games we had left then we'd get 5th. We now have 3 home games left after Fulham. 3 from 6 fixtures, Oli, just about on the money of our record/trend this season.

I'm expecting the boys to push for the line and improve on that trend so it's not delusion, Oli. It's simply expecting us to match what we've already achieved in this poor season. Following the evidence, if you will.

12 Apr 2026 22:37:35
{Ed's Note - Davey Sulls has posted a new article entitled, Why Iraola Fits Liverpool Better Than Alonso

12 Apr 2026 23:07:30
Ed33 making me sound smarter than I am again. Appreciate it.

{Ed033's Note - ok thanks.

13 Apr 2026 06:33:09
Good article. But I totally disagree, respectfully, Davey. Neither area is a good fit for me.
First of all, nobody knows what sort of team they will get. As it stands, Salah and Robbo won't be there, and Macca, VVD, Alisson, Jones can all go come summer.
None of the new players have really shone. So the new manager really has his work cut out for him.
Now, first of all, we have players that sort of have an attitude issue. They seem to not understand what it means to play for Liverpool. For example, Szobo's antics when losing tells you a lot.



Therefore, we needed someone like Gerrard for a bit. A cult figure bigger than any player. I also feel, for the same reason, Zidane can work for us. Might not be a great coach, but will any day command respect from anyone and everyone.

The entire problem with the players is they can't respect the manager. You cannot let that happen, no matter whether coach is right or wrong. Slot couldn't stamp any authority. We had a similar slump under Slot, but dare a player throw attitude around.

13 Apr 2026 08:26:18
I appreciate the opinion, Cafu, but if that was the case I don't think simply having cult figures like Gerrard/Zidane will do the trick.

I personally don't think that is the issue at all, and if it was the issue we would be truly messed up.

I still think Szoboszlai's antics are driven by passion and not petulance, although I can see how it could come across that way.



I think Iraola is a vastly superior coach than Gerrard and I also think he has a galvanizing leadership. Not even a close one, that for me. Regardless of player attitude, which I think is not bad like you mention.

13 Apr 2026 08:33:06
Zidane is supposed to take over France after the WC.

13 Apr 2026 09:04:05
Was Zidane a good manager? Looked after a class Madrid team so probably just a figure head.

13 Apr 2026 10:02:26
Sometimes all good players need is a name to work for rather than actual coaching. Zidane won what like 3 CL with a wonderful team and let them figure out.
I think that probably will also work for us. Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz, Szobo, Macca are good players that just need a system and freedom, not coaching.

13 Apr 2026 10:38:53
Zidane won them European Cups with a team on a different level to us at the moment. And if we were going down the legend who's not a great coach it'd have to be Gerrard. Not that there's any chance it'd be either. Far more chance of Arne being there next season.

13 Apr 2026 16:34:22
Zidane is not a good manager. The team he had at RM did not need him telling them how to pay football. He was just there to manage their egos and since they respected him (some even played against him), they played for him. As soon as stuff got tougher a lil' bit, the man bailed.

12 Apr 2026 20:28:26
What a perfect time for us to get 3pts n for our rivals to drop points. Need to beat the blue noses to keep the pressure on Villa n Chelsea n lift it off ourselves... if n still a big if we do get Champs League for next season, at least this season won't be a total wipeout.

12 Apr 2026 20:50:30
We will need that gap we have. I feel Everton will have too much intensity for us next weekend.

12 Apr 2026 21:03:25
From Tuesday to Sunday, they'll have plenty of recovery time from PSG. Statement win at the new stadium for me.

12 Apr 2026 21:17:54
I love your optimism, Florian.

12 Apr 2026 21:22:38
I'm hoping for a win against the Blues. They haven't got a great record against us, even when we've been playing grim. Get 6pts in our next 2 games, the pressure could be off the players n even slot for us to relax n get over the line.

13 Apr 2026 00:37:03
Done it against Sunderland away, can get another win here. Let's hope it's a new turn of form, 3 wins from 3. :D

13 Apr 2026 06:36:03
Perfect time to get 3 points would have actually been in any of the games we have recently dropped points, so we had 5th sown up already, but appreciate the optimism.

13 Apr 2026 09:46:34
Brummy, we all know that, but we have to be optimistic, otherwise we might as well not follow the team. I can't wait till next season with a new manager, but until then we're stuck with this lot.

13 Apr 2026 16:42:52
I agree, Clee Red. Our lack of intensity this season (cos guys aren't fit enuff, end of.) is something I too am worried about.

Everton will come out ready to stick it to/on us and if we come out all meek and seepish, then we will get exactly what that crap approach has produced for us on a consistent basis all season, imo.